Canword History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of Canword

The ancient Gaelic form of the Irish name Canword was Mac an Bhaird, which means son of the bard.

Early Origins of the Canword family

Early History of the Canword family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Canword research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1749 and 1794 are included under the topic Early Canword History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Canword Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, a person's name was often recorded under several spelling variations during a single lifetime because it was essentially up to the individual scribe's discretion as to how to record an individual's name. Research into the name Canword revealed many variations, including MacWard, McWard, Macanward, MacCanward, MacAward and many more.

Early Notables of the Canword family

More information is included under the topic Early Canword Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Canword family

The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centers and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early passenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Canword: Elizabeth McWard, who arrived in Philadelphia from Londonderry in 1851; William McWard, who settled in Philadelphia in 1860; Anabella Ward, who came to Philadelphia in 1857.